Episodes

High-profile incidents involving guns in public schools are prompting school systems to investigate the best ways to beef up security. North Carolina education leaders are exploring metal detectors and new-fangled weapons detection systems, but several experts caution that those systems may not be worth the millions of dollars they cost. WRAL Education Reporter Emily Walkenhorst explains how things such as tip hotlines, antibullying programs and door locks could provide some of the best defense.

Back in the spring of 1963, civil rights leader Floyd McKissick, Sr. invited Malcolm X to the Triangle for a debate about assimilation versus integration within the fight for equality. The debate almost didn't happen when the city of Durham pulled its support and venue -- eventually a new venue was found, and McKissick Sr.’s young son Floyd McKissick Jr. was among those in the audience. McKissick Jr. recounts a childhood framed by the movement: from the steady stream of civil rights leaders visi...

Floyd McKissick Sr. worked with civil rights leaders that including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X. When race kept him from getting into UNC Law School, McKissick fought back in court and won. Eventually, his case would be used as the basis for the landmark desegregation case, Brown v. Board of Education. Reporter and anchor Ken Smith interviewed his son Floyd McKissick Jr. who shares his father’s legacy as WRAL continues to celebrate Black History Month.

When inflation rises, so do corporate profits. WRAL Investigates looked at how the desire to make more money is raising what you pay for food at the grocery store.

A Republican-backed piece of legislation called the Parents’ Bill of Rights has passed the North Carolina Senate and is on its way to the House. The law would require teachers to tell parents when students are questioning their gender. Supporters of the bill say parents have a right to know this information. Those opposed to the bill, including many LGBTQ advocates, say this could cause some parents to reject or abuse their children and could even lead to suicide. WRAL’s capitol bureau chief Lau...

An anti-rioting bill has passed in the state House and is on its way to the state Senate for debate. Supporters say the bill is aimed at quelling violent protests. People who are against it say it is racist and unconstitutional. They believe it would be unfairly used to target Black Lives Matter protests and arrest people who are exercising their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech. WRAL’s capitol bureau chief Laura Leslie explains the proposed legislation and the debate surrounding it. ...

Thousands of jobs remain open across North Carolina’s government, hampering the state’s ability to offer basic services to a booming population. WRAL State Government Reporter Paul Specht explains what the state is doing to recruit and retain workers in a tricky job market — and while agencies wait to see if legislators will deliver a budget that gives state workers a pay bump.

As part of WRAL’s continuing celebration of Black History Month, we are sharing another story about the Underground Railroad with WRAL’s Hidden History Reporter Heather Leah. This time, she tells us about her experience traveling to Halifax, the site of triumph for many Freedom Seekers, but also the site where the struggle of some enslaved people to escape ended tragically.

Back in 1991, the Triangle was growing, and so was the interest in professional sports.The World League of American Football started the Skyhawks. They played for exactly one season at Raleigh’s Carter-Finley Stadium and never won a game. Sports Radio Host Joe Ovies fills us in on this little-known story in local sports history and tells us about his upcoming podcast, “Brief History of Triangle Sports.”

This is a big week for Raleigh and the Carolina Hurricanes. Saturday’s outdoor game at Carter Finley Stadium puts Raleigh in the national hockey spotlight. The Canes are having an amazing season, and with one Stanley Cup win in 2006, the spotlight is not new to team. What’s different here is Raleigh, North Carolina itself. Adam Gold talks with Brian Murphy on what the game brings to the community, the fans and Raleigh’s status as a “hockey town.”

Republicans took control of the state Supreme Court in November’s elections, and in short order they’ve moved to overturn precedents in major election cases. Now, based on leaked notes from a recent meeting, more changes are coming to consolidate power at the court’s highest levels.

Gerald Owens' extended interview with Coach Roy Williams

Some people watch for the game, others watch for the half-time show, still others watch for the creative commercials that we remember long after the game fades from our memories. This year WRAL picked a winner with a commercial that wowed audiences with a surprise appearance from a legendary sports figure. We speak with Capitol Broadcasting Marketing Director John Gilliam about how he created this year’s big hit.

African Americans fleeing slavery took refuge in this swampy area that straddles the northern North Carolina and Virginia line in the 1800’s. Today, it is part of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. As part of our special coverage of Black History Month, Hidden History reporter Heather Leah took a trip to these wetlands and shares her experience along with the history, the myths and the lore of this fascinating place.

Wait times are up again at North Carolina’s Division of Motor Vehicles, and it’s not even the busy season. 5 On Your Side’s Keely Arthur joins us to break down what she found at the state’s DMV and what’s causing the delays. Plus: Tips to make your experience move faster.

Thirty-five years ago two men walked into a Robeson County newspaper with sawed off shotguns, chained the doors and demanded to speak to the governor. During the 10-hour ordeal, WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy spoke to one of the men live on the air. Documentary photographer Jay Jennings covered the story that day, and remembers a “surreal” day and story.

In the past week, we’ve seen multiple schools in Wake County on lockdowns after threats of violence were made on social media. This prompted schools to add extra security to basketball games over the weekend. Some parents say they are thinking about keeping their children home in light of these threats. WRAL reporter Adam Owens explains.

North Carolina schools are handed an A-F letter grade every year, marking them for success or failure in the eyes of regulators and the public. State education leaders say those grades rely too much on standardized tests, which most of the state’s teachers don’t even teach. WRAL Education Insider Emily Walkenhorst explains what they’re doing to change the way they assess schools.

As a special bonus episode today, listen in on WRAL anchor/reporter Ken Smith’s extended interview with North Carolina State University professor Jason Miller about recently found film of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Reynolds Coliseum in 1966. Miller talks about the moment he found out about the existence of the film after years of searching, the images it shows – including a KKK protest outside the coliseum – and how the film informs our collective understanding of this complicated and...

It’s only 22 seconds long and it’s silent, but this newly discovered film of Martin Luther King visiting Reynolds Coliseum in July of 1966 speaks volumes. WRAL reporter and anchor Ken Smith interviews people who vividly remember that day and speaks to an NCSU English professor who has spent years researching the visit. This is part of our special Black History Month coverage.

She leads investigation into Tyre Nichol’s death

Iconic home moving to make way for development

Traffic in the Triangle sometimes means slower speeds, and longer trips. Julian Grace talks with WRAL Traffic Anchor Brian Shrader about current traffic patterns, projects in the works, and if a light rail commuter system is a possible solution. This discussion will give listeners insight on how traffic patterns in the Triangle work, and what could change in the future.

Debra Morgan’s extended interview with Mike Krzyzewski